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It’s New Year’s Eve; almost 2020. What have you done to prepare for the new year in terms of stormwater management? Your stormwater management plan (SWMP) should be focused with concepts, such as these, in mind: the reduction in volume of stormwater runoff, the improvement of runoff water quality, and the control and reduction of peak runoff rates. You should use best management practices (BMPs) to accomplish these objectives. A good stormwater management plan must comply with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements; so, to have a successful SWMP, there needs to be a clear understanding of the NPDES permit requirements and strong collaboration between the company and outside consultants and/or contractors.
Let’s count down to the new year with these five resolutions that you should keep in mind in terms of stormwater management.
5. Be Aware
It is so important when working on a construction site to be aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of environmental issues such as air and water quality, watershed health, superfund sites, fish advisors, impaired waters, as well as local services working to protect the environment in your area. Use best management practices to prevent stormwater pollution such as putting down sediment traps and basins, covering dumpsters, and disposing toxic waste materials properly.
4. Involve the Community
A good business is one that includes everyone, not just its employees. Promote proper stormwater management by educating the community through public outreach. It is crucial to have an informed community to build a successful stormwater management plan. Create educational materials like pamphlets, brochures, and booklets to distribute to the community. Participate in events like conferences, fairs, and community clean-ups to promote best management practices. You could even develop educational programs for the general public about the importance of proper stormwater prevention. The community can provide valuable input and assist in the development of your stormwater management plan.
3. Create a Plan
When doing anything, it is important to have a plan. The first step to change is knowing where the problems are and improving on them. The best way to improve is to set goals for your company. Center your goals on how to manage stormwater prevention during and post-construction. Without proper management, stormwater can cause erosion, flooding, and pollution of surface waters.
2. Be Knowledgeable
Who should be knowledgeable? Employees that have the potential to work with materials that could encounter stormwater should participate in stormwater awareness training. The last thing you want to do when starting a new project is to be unprepared. It is important to know all the requirements from the state and federal government. Read up on your state and federal requirements for stormwater runoff before moving forward on your next project. You must consider your stormwater regulations as well before implementing new strategies.
1. Get Trained
Before you even start working on the next big development project, you want to be properly trained in stormwater management. StormwaterONE’s online stormwater management training provides professionals with the skills and qualifications required for construction site maintenance in accordance to section 402 of the Clean Water Act. Show off that you know how to properly protect the community by earning your StormwaterONE Credentials. Receive the most comprehensive and up to date training of individual stormwater permits.
With a new year comes new beginnings. Improve your stormwater management program; make 2020 your year. To get started on your New Year’s resolutions, you can try out StormwaterONE’s free training. Start your new year right with a well-crafted stormwater management plan. Let’s shoot for proper stormwater prevention in 2020!
